Category: PM News

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for the remarkable operational successes under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, saying joint military operations have achieved more in the past year than at any other period in recent times.

Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue state, spoke with journalists in Abuja on Sunday evening, where he praised the military high command for strengthening inter-service cooperation and intensifying the campaign against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

The lawmaker said the renewed synergy among the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies had produced measurable results, leading to the neutralisation of criminal elements, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of territories previously threatened by armed groups.

‘Those who genuinely follow developments in our security sector will agree that the Armed Forces have become more coordinated and more decisive in confronting criminal elements. Under the leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, we are seeing a level of synergy among the services that is producing visible results. The military is not merely responding to attacks; it is taking the battle to terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves across different parts of the federation,’ Agbese said.

The federal lawmaker noted that the latest operational figures released by the military reflect the scale of ongoing offensives against criminal groups.

‘In June alone, our troops neutralised 129 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped victims, recovered 130 firearms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition. They also dismantled seven illegal refining sites and recovered over 308,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. These are not ordinary statistics. Behind every figure is a community made safer, families reunited with loved ones, dangerous weapons taken off our streets and criminal organisations denied the resources they depend on.’

Agbese particularly applauded the rescue of hundreds of civilians held captive by insurgents in the North-East, describing the operation as a major humanitarian achievement that deserves national recognition.

‘The rescue of hundreds of innocent Nigerians, many of them women and children who had spent months in captivity, speaks volumes about the commitment and professionalism of our troops. These brave men and women continue to risk their lives every day so that ordinary Nigerians can live in peace, and as a nation we owe them our gratitude and unwavering support.’

He added that the military’s performance over the second quarter of the year further demonstrated that the gains being recorded were consistent rather than isolated.

‘The second-quarter operational report is equally impressive. Within three months, the Armed Forces neutralised 662 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 1,084 suspects, rescued 951 kidnapped victims, recovered 328 firearms and over 12,500 rounds of ammunition, while dismantling 12 illegal refining sites and recovering more than 464,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. These achievements reflect sustained pressure on criminal networks and show that our security forces are steadily reclaiming the initiative.’

Agbese urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military through credible intelligence and public cooperation, noting that security is a collective responsibility.

‘Our armed forces cannot fight this battle alone. Citizens must continue to provide timely information, reject collaboration with criminal groups and stand firmly behind our security personnel. The progress we are witnessing today should encourage all Nigerians to believe that with sustained support, strong leadership and continued operational momentum, lasting peace is achievable,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that sustained funding and investment in intelligence gathering, modern military equipment and personnel welfare would further strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to restore lasting peace and stability across the country.

Agbese added that the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned judgment in the final forfeiture suit filed by the Economic and Ficial Crimes Commission against 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik shifted the judgment to July 10.

The court had earlier fixed Monday for judgment after lawyers representing the EFCC, Malami and other respondents adopted their processes and presented their arguments.

The matter, listed as number four on Monday’s cause list, could not proceed.

No reason was given for the adjournment.

The EFCC is seeking the final forfeiture of the properties, which it said were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

At the last sitting, EFCC’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, urged the court to grant the application.

Okutepa said the motion, filed in February, was supported by a 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 exhibits.

He argued that Malami and the other respondents had ‘woefully failed to show cause’ that the properties were acquired legitimately.

The EFCC lawyer urged the court to permanently forfeit the properties to the Federal Government.

However, counsel to Malami and other respondents, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, opposed the application.

Adedeji said Malami filed a 109-paragraph affidavit to show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted.

He urged the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order and hold that the properties were not acquired from proceeds of crime.

He argued that the EFCC relied on suspicion rather than evidence.

‘The court deals with evidence, not suspicion,’ Adedeji said.

He also argued that some of the properties were acquired before Malami became AGF.

Other lawyers representing individuals and companies listed in the suit also asked the court to dismiss the EFCC’s final forfeiture application.

The matter will now come up on July 10 for judgment.

A Nigerian-American engineer, Anthony Ehiedu Ugbebor, has approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the June 15, 2026 judgment of the Lagos State High Court in his N152 million property dispute with Oak Homes Multinational Services Limited.

In a nine-ground Notice of Appeal filed before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, Ugbebor is seeking to overturn the judgment delivered by Justice Akingbola George, which held that his property purchase agreement with Oak Homes and its Managing Director, Olukayode Olusanya, had been extinguished by the doctrine of novation.

The High Court had ordered Oak Homes to refund the N152 million paid by Ugbebor for two luxury apartments located at 14A Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, while dismissing his counterclaim seeking specific performance of the contract or, alternatively, damages.

Dissatisfied with the decision, Ugbebor argued that the trial judge misapplied settled principles of contract law, ignored material evidence, wrongly dismissed his counterclaim and erroneously refused his claim for specific performance.

The dispute originated from a suit filed by Oak Homes against Ugbebor and the Economic and Ficial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging trespass on two second-floor, three-bedroom apartments at the Victoria Island property.

Although the High Court dismissed most of the developer’s claims, it ruled that the conduct of both parties amounted to novation, thereby terminating the original agreement and limiting Ugbebor’s remedy to a refund of the purchase price.

In his appeal, Ugbebor asked the appellate court to restore the original property sale agreement, declare it valid and enforceable, and compel Oak Homes to complete and deliver the apartments in line with the contract.

He contended that the trial court wrongly placed the burden of proving payment on him instead of Oak Homes, which alleged breach of contract. According to him, the agreement tied payments to construction milestones rather than fixed calendar dates.

Ugbebor maintained that he had already paid about 80 per cent of the purchase price, with 35 per cent due only after completion of the roofing stage and the final 20 per cent payable upon completion of the apartments. He argued that Oak Homes failed to reach those agreed construction milestones.

The appellant also challenged the finding of novation, relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Heritage Bank Ltd v. Ajugwo, arguing that a new contract cannot be inferred merely from the conduct of parties without clear evidence of an agreement to replace the original contract.

He further faulted the dismissal of his counterclaim, insisting that contracts relating to land ordinarily attract the equitable remedy of specific performance and that the trial court failed to determine the issue of frustration of contract despite evidence and submissions by both parties.

Ugbebor also argued that the judgment failed to properly evaluate his claims for general damages, special damages and specific performance, while contradicting itself by acknowledging breaches allegedly committed by Oak Homes but refusing all the reliefs sought in his counterclaim.

He is urging the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment in its entirety, restore the validity of the original property sale agreement and compel Oak Homes Multinational Services Limited to honour its contractual obligations.

The Federal High Court on Monday ordered Mr Nkemakolam Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of African Democratic Party (ADC), to pay the FHC’s Chief Judge (CJ), Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu the sum of N50 million each for accusing them of bias.

Justice Salim Ibrahim said this in a ruling on an oral application made by Mr J. U. K. Igwe, SAN, counsel for Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu.

He ordered that the total sum of N100 million shall be paid within 14 days of the order.

Justice Ibrahim earlier stuck out Ukandu’s case which was filed against the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu respectively for lack of diligent prosecution.

Ukandu had sued the NJC, the FHC CJ and Justice Lifu as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively, over alleged bias and disobedience to court order.

In the suit, Ukandu sought an order compelling the NJC to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of judicial powers and bias levelled against Tsoho and Lifu.

However, neither the plaintiff nor his lawyer had appeared before Justice Ibrahim since the matter was assigned to the judge.

The judge had, on June 30, threatened to dismiss the suit for failure of the plaintiff or his lawyer to appear for proceedings.

The suit stemmed from the ADC leadership crisis involving an aggrieved member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, whose case is currently before Justice Lifu.

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has suffered a serious wrist injury after England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

The 36-year-old was injured while celebrating after the final whistle at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Henderson reportedly fell over an advertising board and had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed after the match that the injury appears serious.

‘Jordan fell and injured his wrist. It looks really bad,’ Tuchel said. ‘The doctors have taken him to hospital. It’s unfortunate because it spoils what was a great night for us.’

Henderson, who has only played six minutes at the tournament so far, will not travel back with the rest of the England squad as he remains under medical care.

England are preparing for a World Cup quarter-final clash against Norway on Saturday, but Henderson’s participation is now highly doubtful.

The former Liverpool captain could join defender Reece James on the injury list. James has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since England’s opening match of the tournament.

Tuchel Criticises World Cup Referees Despite England’s Win Over Mexico

England manager Thomas Tuchel has criticised the standard of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico.

Speaking after the Round of 16 match, Tuchel said the refereeing was ‘not good enough,’ particularly regarding a penalty awarded to Mexico after a VAR review.

England had raced into a 2-0 lead through two goals from Jude Bellingham, but Mexico pulled one back before halftime through Julián Quiñones.

The game became more dramatic in the second half when England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off after VAR reviewed his challenge on Jesús Gallardo and upgraded it to a red card.

Former FIFA assistant referee Darren Cann supported the decision, saying Quansah’s studs made contact with Gallardo’s shin and that the red card was correct under the laws of the game.

England later restored their two-goal advantage through a Harry Kane penalty, but Mexico were awarded a spot-kick of their own after Kane was judged to have fouled Brian Gutiérrez. Raúl Jiménez converted the penalty to make it 3-2.

Despite Tuchel’s complaints, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart said the referee made the correct decisions throughout the match.

England eventually held on to secure victory and book a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway.

Shareholders of FCMB Group Plc have approved a total dividend payout of N23.08 billion for the 2025 ficial year, endorsing all resolutions presented by the Board at the company’s 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos on June 30, 2026.

The meeting, attended physically and virtually, also approved the re-election of Mr. Ladi Jadesimi and ratified the appointment of Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo as directors.

Shareholders further elected members of the Audit Committee and authorised the Board to determine the remuneration of the company’s external auditors.

The approvals came on the back of a strong ficial performance despite challenging economic conditions.

FCMB Group reported profit before tax of N202.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing an 81 per cent increase from N111.9 billion recorded in the previous year. Profit after tax rose by 142 per cent to N177.3 billion, while gross revenue climbed 42.5 per cent to N1.13 trillion. Return on equity also improved to 23.2 per cent.

The Group recorded double-digit profit growth across all business segments, with the Banking Group posting a 110 per cent increase in profit before tax. Consumer Fice, Investment Banking and Investment Management grew by 107 per cent, 90 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively. The company said the strong momentum continued into the first quarter of 2026.

Chairman Ladi Jadesimi said the results underscored the resilience of FCMB’s diversified business model.

‘We remain steadfast in our objective of balancing immediate shareholder returns with the need to retain sufficient capital to support long-term expansion, strengthen our competitive positioning and optimise value creation for all stakeholders,’ he said.

Group Chief Executive Ladi Balogun described 2025 as a transformative year driven by collaboration across the Group’s businesses, adding that the completion of FCMB’s recapitalisation programme had positioned it for its next phase of long-term growth.

Shareholder representatives commended the Board and management for the company’s performance and dividend payout. Mrs. Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said the dividend reflected management’s commitment to creating shareholder value despite economic headwinds.

Mr. Boniface Okezie, National Chairman of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, praised FCMB’s support for small businesses, noting that the Group provided N537.5 billion in ficing to SMEs in 2025, including N51 billion to women-owned businesses.

Shareholder Mr. Eric Akinduro also applauded the improvement in asset quality, citing a decline in the Group’s non-performing loan ratio to 5 per cent from 5.95 per cent.

FCMB reported an 8.2 per cent increase in total assets to N7.63 trillion, while consumer and SME lending rose 24 per cent to N930 billion. Assets under management also increased 24.2 per cent to N1.70 trillion, reinforcing the Group’s diversified earnings base and long-term growth strategy.

The approved dividend was paid on July 30, 2026, to shareholders whose names appeared on the register of members at the close of business on June 15, 2026.

The Federal Government will on Wednesday receive another batch of 270 Nigerians returning from South Africa under its ongoing voluntary evacuation programme.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Monday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, an Air Peace aircraft deployed for the evacuation will depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 3:30pm.

The aircraft is expected to leave Johannesburg for Lagos at midnight with the 270 returnees.

The flight is scheduled to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by 5:00am on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

‘In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the AirPeace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July, 2026 for Johannesburg, South Africa at 3.30pm,’ the statement said.

‘The aircraft will depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees at 12.00 midnight, and the estimated time of arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos is 5.00am on Wednesday, 8 July, 2026, all things being equal.’

The expected arrival is the fourth evacuation flight under the Federal Government’s programme for Nigerians voluntarily returning from South Africa.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (FCNS), has highlighted Nigeria’s progress in artificial intelligence, digital goverce and cybersecurity, while expressing optimism about the country’s position within Africa’s growing digital landscape.

Speaking at the T and A Legal AI Summit 2026, themed ‘The AI Conversation- Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria: Balancing Regulation and Innovation’ in Victoria Island, Lagos, the senator said Nigeria had made significant strides in policy development, legislation and digital innovation over the years.

The senator explained that AI legislation should introduce regulatory sandboxes, a risk-based approach to AI classification, accountability mechanisms and appropriate safegaurds that promote responsible innovation while protecting the public interest.

‘African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, I have seen firsthand the progress being made across the continent. My conclusion remains unchanged: Nigeria is ahead in several critical areas of AI policy, innovation, and digital goverce, Salisu said.’

Salisu, who reflected on his more than four decades of experience in technology, recounted how he began his journey after gaining admission to study Computer Science in 1982, at a time when the discipline was still relatively unfamiliar to many Nigerians.

‘In 1982, I gained admission to study Computer Science at a time when very few people understood what the discipline truly entailed. In fact, I knew very little about it myself. Like many science students then, I was expected to study Medicine, but I wanted to chart a different course. Looking through the university brochure, I noticed that Computer Science required some of the most challenging science subjects. That alone convinced me it was a path worth pursuing.’

He said his career later expanded across the banking sector, public service and technology development, with professional engagements in Nigeria and abroad.

The senator noted that the technology sector has experienced several changes over the years, from earlier programming systems to more advanced digital processes, adding that recen technological developments continue to reshape industries and institutions globally.

Salisu highlighted some projects he had been involved in, including the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which introduced reforms in tertiary institution admissions, as well as the Lagos State Geographic Information System and other digital initiatives.

He also pointed to changes within Nigeria’s higher education system, noting that universities have expanded their technology-related academic programmes to include specialised fields such as Cybersecurity, Software Engineering and other emerging disciplines.

According to him, Nigeria has continued to strengthen its position through digital policy initiatives and institutional reforms.

He cited the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), established in 2023, as one of the regulatory structures aimed at improving data goverce and strengthening privacy protection.

The senator also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to update Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework through amendments to existing legislation in line with emerging global realities.

According to him, the proposed legislation is designed to provide a legal framework for digital transformation, encouragepartner innovation and improve goverce structures.

On digital goverce, Salisu announced that the National Digital Economy and e-Goverce Bill had completed legislative processes in the Senate and is expected to receive presidential assent.

Earlier, the co-founder and partner at T and A Legal, Seyi Adisa, highlighted the economic opportunities that AI presents for Nigeria, projecting that artificial intelligence could contribute approximately $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030.’The projection remains achievable if Nigeria continues to build on its strengths in creative industries, digital services and technology-enabled sectors.

Speaking further, Adisa noted that if the federal government continues to diversify the economy beyond oil, AI could play a significant role in accelerating growth across multiple sectors.

‘Artificial intelligence presents Nigeria with a defining opportunity to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation. Our responsibility is to build a regulatory framework that protects citizens, promotes trust and innovation, and positions Nigeria as Africa’s leader in responsible AI goverce.

The summit brought together policymakers, technology professionals, legal practitioners, academics and business leaders to discuss emerging trends, opportunities and regulatory issues shaping the digital economy in Nigeria and across Africa.

Nollywood actor Rykardo Agbor has opened up parenthood, revealing that he waited to become a parent for 18 years before finally having twins.

While speaking AfricanAList, the actor explained that despite enduring a long period of childlessness, he remained patient and faithful.

Rykardo also disclosed that he specifically prayed for twins, revealing that God answered his prayers 14 years ago after a long 18-year wait.

‘I wanted to get married to a particular lady; I have married her regardless of where she is from. She is not from my tribe. So ordinarily, we were supposed to have strife; no, it was very fair. It took 18 years for me to have the twins. And I waited. God knows, 18 years and they are 14 now, so I told God I wanted twins. So while that wait was on, if it were someone else, he would cross. But at the end of the day, I have twins. I have a boy and a girl. I asked God what I wanted,’ he stated.

A youth-based political mobilisation group, Smart Boys Movement Nationwide (SBM), has officially endorsed the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, under the APM, while also declaring support for the party’s candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Sunday during the official inauguration and unveiling of the movement in Ibadan, Oyo State, where youth leaders, political stakeholders, women leaders, grassroots mobilisers and community coordinators gathered to launch what the organisers described as a nationwide platform for youth participation in democratic goverce.

Among those in attendance were Hon. Olaoluwa Akinsola Akinwande, National Youth Coordinator; Hon. (Mrs.) Risikat Oloyede, Director for Women Mobilisation in Oyo State; Comrade Sarafa, Executive Director, Akinyele Local Government; Hon. Bajegbo Oluwakayode Peter (Hon. BOP), Acting National Secretary; and Mrs Omoyemi Olaleye, Women Coordinator for Ibadan North Local Government, among other political and community leaders.

Addressing members during the inauguration, the National Executive Director of the movement, Rotarian Funso Jide Adekunle, popularly known as Honourable Fushi, said the organisation was established to build a formidable youth-driven support structure capable of mobilising millions of Nigerians toward active participation in the country’s democratic process.

‘Our vision is to build a strong grassroots movement that will encourage young Nigerians to become active participants in goverce and national development. We believe the future of Nigeria depends on responsible leadership and meaningful youth involvement in politics,’ he said.

He added that the movement would work across the country to strengthen democratic values through political education, civic engagement and peaceful mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

As part of the resolutions reached during the inauguration, members uimously endorsed Governor Makinde as the movement’s preferred presidential candidate under the APM.

The movement also threw its weight behind APM governorship, senatorial, and other candidates nationwide, including Hon. Abimbola Adekanbi for Oyo State governor, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller for Oyo North Senatorial District, and Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide Odidiomo for Oyo South Senatorial District.

According to the movement, the endorsements were based on what it described as the candidates’ ‘vision, competence, leadership capacity and commitment to promoting good goverce, youth inclusion, economic development and national unity.’

In another major decision, members uimously adopted Makinde as the National Grand Patron of the Smart Boys Movement, citing what they described as his commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.

Similarly, Ambassador Ajadi was adopted as the National Patron of the organisation.

As part of activities marking its official inauguration, leaders and members of the Smart Boys Movement Nationwide paid a courtesy visit to Otunba Seye Famojuro, a prominent political strategist and humanitarian. The visit formed part of the movement’s consultations with influential stakeholders identified with the Omituntun political movement in Oyo State and its broader agenda of youth mobilisation and grassroots participation.

Receiving the delegation, Famojuro, who is widely regarded as one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s closest allies and trusted political confidants, commended the initiative of the movement and encouraged its members to remain committed to peaceful political participation, responsible leadership and community development. The delegation described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with key leaders whose contributions to grassroots politics and goverce continue to inspire young Nigerians.

Explaining the decision, the leadership of the movement said, ‘These appointments reflect our confidence in leaders who have consistently demonstrated commitment to grassroots mobilisation, youth empowerment and inclusive goverce.’

The organisation announced plans to establish functional structures at the national, zonal, state, senatorial district, federal constituency, local government, ward and polling unit levels to coordinate its activities and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hon. Adekunle said the movement would immediately commence nationwide membership registration, leadership training, digital mobilisation, voter education and community engagement programmes.

‘We are not merely building a political support group. We are building a movement that will promote civic responsibility, peaceful democratic participation, leadership development, and service to humanity,’ he stated.

He stressed that the organisation would continue to advocate issue-based politics, accountability, transparency, patriotism, innovation and national unity.

The movement also appealed to Nigerian youths, students, artisans, entrepreneurs, professionals and women to join its campaign for increased grassroots participation in goverce.

‘Our doors are open to every patriotic Nigerian who believes that the future of this country can be transformed through responsible leadership, peaceful participation and collective action,’ Adekunle added.

The inauguration ended with members pledging to support the Allied Peoples Movement through peaceful mobilisation, voter education and sustained grassroots engagement across the country as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

The Smart Boys Movement Nationwide describes itself as a youth-led grassroots organisation dedicated to leadership development, democratic participation, political education, community service and nation-building. Guided by its motto, ‘Smart Thinking, Smart Leadership, Smart Future,’ the organisation says it aims to empower young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.